Jumping Jack vs Rowing Machine
Which one fits your Cardio workout plan?
Contents
Jumping Jack burns more per minute than Rowing Machine — MET 9 vs 8.5. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Compare the benefits of Jumping Jack and Rowing Machine and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.
Jumping Jack vs Rowing Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Rowing Machine more often — 528 sessions compared to 275 for Jumping Jack.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Jumping Jack and Rowing Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Jumping Jack and Rowing Machine Differ
| What differs | Jumping Jack | Rowing Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, calves, chest, and front delts | back, quads, chest, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and triceps |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 275 sessions | 528 sessions |
How to Do Jumping Jack
Jumping Jack Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Please stand with your feet together and your arms by your sides.
- 2. Jump while simultaneously spreading your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and raising your arms above your head.
- 3. Jump again while bringing your feet together and lowering your arms to your sides.
Coach's Tips
- Jump with your knees slightly bent and keep tension in your shoulders.
For a full Jumping Jack guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Jumping Jack exercise guide.
How to Do Rowing Machine
Rowing Machine Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Fix your feet and sit while holding the handle.
- 2. While straightening your legs, lean your body back and pull the handle.
- 3. Pull your elbows to your sides while keeping your abdominal muscles engaged.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your back straight and be careful not to stretch your legs excessively.
For a full Rowing Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Rowing Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Jumping Jack or Rowing Machine?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Cardio, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Jumping Jack and Rowing Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Jumping Jack loads quads, hamstrings, calves, chest, and front delts, and Rowing Machine loads back, quads, chest, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and triceps.
What equipment do Jumping Jack and Rowing Machine need?
Jumping Jack needs bodyweight only, and Rowing Machine needs a machine.
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